Obituary: Sir Edmund Hillary

Heights of fame: Sir Edmund Hillary waves during a procession celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ascent of Everest in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 27, 2003

Paula Bronstein: Getty Images

Edmund Percival Hillary was arguably the best known New Zealander in the world.

Born in Tuakau in 1919, Sir Edmund's early days in south Auckland were spent daydreaming about grand adventures.

At age 16 his interest in climbing was sparked during a school trip to Mount Ruapehu.

But it was another mountain that changed his life - Sir Edmund was the first to conquer the summit of the world's highest peak - Mount Everest.

Overnight the former beekeeper and World War II Catalina flying boat navigator, along with Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, were catapulted to stardom.

Their climb on May 29, 1953, was hailed as a Coronation Day present for Queen Elizabeth II.

Speaking shortly after his historic ascent, Sir Edmund described the last few moments of the climb.

"We looked up and there was the summit just 30, 40 feet above us," he said.

"So we cut up onto the summit and ... stepped on it.

"I think my first reaction was definitely one of relief. Relief that we'd found the summit for one thing and, ah, relief that we were there.

"We certainly shook hands, and, ah, gave each other the odd thump on the back I think."

He told companions after the climb: "We knocked the bastard off."

Always the adventurer, Sir Edmund climbed 10 other peaks in the Himalayas on later visits. He reached the South Pole as part of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1958, and led a jetboat expedition up the River Ganges.

Sir Edmund was also heavily involved in charity work in Nepal, and devoted his time to helping the Sherpa people who live in the shadow of Everest.

His Himalaya Trust raised about $US250,000 a year and he personally helped build schools, hospitals, bridges, pipelines and even an airfield.

But to New Zealanders, and the rest of the world, Sir Edmund will always be remembered as the first man who, literally, stood on top of the world.

His picture adorns the country's five dollar note. "He was a colossus. He was an heroic figure who not only knocked off Everest but lived a life of determination, humility, and generosity," said Prime Minister Helen Clark.

"The legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary will live on. His exploits continue to inspire new generations of New Zealanders, as they have for more than half a century already.

"My thoughts are with Lady Hillary, Sir Edmund's children, wider family, and close friends at this sad time."